For the Geek in all of us

Sourcebooks

Thanks to Sourcebooks, I have a special giveaway for you to enter! To make the giveaway even more fun, it runs all month long so you have even more chances to win! Check out the giveaway schedule below and make sure to visit all of the participating blogs!

THE GRACE BURROWES SCOTTISH VICTORIAN PRINT BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Follow along as we giveaway SIGNED copies of the two books in Grace Burrowes’ emotional and sensual Scottish Victorian-set MacGregor romance series: The Bridegroom Wore PlaidandOnce Upon a Tartan!

The Bridegroom Wore Plaid BY GRACE BURROWES – IN STORES NOW

HIS FAMILY OR HIS HEART–ONE OF THEM WILL BE BETRAYED… Ian MacGregor is wooing a woman who’s wrong for him in every way. As the new Earl of Balfour, though, he must marry an English heiress to repair the family fortunes. But in his intended’s penniless chaperone, Augusta, Ian is finding everything he’s ever wanted in a wife.

ONCE UPON A TARTAN BY GRACE BURROWES – IN STORES AUGUST 2013

Honor or happiness—he can’t have both.

Tiberius Flynn may be every inch an English lord, but smart, headstrong beauty Hester Daniels has no use for his high-handed ways–no matter how handsome, charming, or beguiling he is. They only see eye to eye in caring about the feisty little girl who is under their protection.

Tiberius’s haughty insistence that his wealthy estate in England is a better place for the child than her beloved, rundown Scotland home sparks Hester’s fierce protectiveness, and the battle lines are drawn.

Praise for Once Upon a Tartan:

“Burrowes creates a powerful story replete with heartfelt emotion and rich characterization… An instant keeper.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 ½ stars, Top Pick of the Month

“Warmth, sensuality, and humor infuse Burrowes’ writing, and fans of Suzanne Enoch and Sarah MacLean should enjoy this series.” —Booklist

“Grace Burrowes weaves her magic with words… a memorable love story—excellent and exquisite.” — A Long and Short Reviews Best Book

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes is the author of the acclaimed Windham Family Series, The MacGregor Trilogy and The Lonely Lords Series. Her debut novel, The Heir (2010), as well as The Bridegroom Wore Plaid (2012) were both included as Publishers Weekly Best Books of their respective years, in the romance category. A practicing attorney specializing in family law, Grace lives in rural Maryland, where she is working on the final book in the Windham series, Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait (October 2013) and third MacGregor story, The MacGregor’s Lady (February 2014), and many more books. Visit her website for more information about all of her books, exclusive extras and her lively blog.

GIVEAWAY!!

Just fill in the widget to enter! US and Canadian addresses only, please

Please welcome special guest Jade Lee to the virtual offices! Jade is here this evening to chat about her latest release What the Bride Wore, and she has a copy to giveaway!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.

[Jade Lee] An extrovert who is fun at parties. I tell anecdotes, stories, and if nothing else, I’ll resort to physical comedy. Yes, I’ll fall down to make you laugh.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about What the Bride Wore?

[Jade Lee] It’s the story of a man who used to be a fool, who is now trying to redeem his family’s honor. Five years ago, Grant Benton made a huge mistake, and he has spent the last five years working as a mill owner to regain his family’s fortune. He’s got the money now and intends to buy back the land he lost, but nothing goes as planned. And what he certainly didn’t plan was to fall for a widowed purchaser from a lady’s dress shop. Lord Crowle needs an aristocratic wife, but Irene Knopp is more than she appears. Unless she’s just another temptation to disaster?

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?

[Jade Lee] I love stories about identity, especially how does one change that fundamental aspect of who you are. Grant was a fool, but now he’s trying to remake himself as a responsible aristocrat. He’s got the money now, but there’s so much more to a title—family honor, stewardship of the land, societal expectations—it’s hard to figure out who and what that means. Especially when falling in love with someone who is not exactly what she pretends either.

Okay, serious answer: meditation. Seriously. Everything just gets all jumbled up in my brain—every aspect of my life from the cashier at Starbucks to the ad I saw on the side of a bus. It’s not until I sit in silence and let everything flow out of me that something cool inevitably rises to the surface.

I need no excuses to post pictures of Robert Downey, Jr

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?

[Jade Lee] The 3 Cs: Coffee, computer, chocolate Yes, I’m a caffeine addict. I’ve quit a few times, and I felt better—eventually. But then one morning, I just don’t feel as awake and I head straight back to Starbucks.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?

[Jade Lee] I’ve been listening to Courtney Milan on audio. Unveiled and Unclaimed were AMAZING. The books and the narrator were fabulous! I loved the third book of the trilogy too, but the narrator wasn’t nearly as good.

Jim Butcher – a man who knows how to dress

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?

[Jade Lee] The Narnian Chronicles. I really loved The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, but my favorite was always The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

[Jade Lee] I play a lot of racquetball. Years ago, I was a pro for 2 weeks before I blew my knees. I didn’t even have time to fill out the paperwork before it was over. I still play a lot, but not like I used to.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?

[Jade Lee] www.JadeLeeAuthor.com FB is where I hang out the most as JadeLeeBooks. I’m also on Twitter at JadeLeeAuthor.

Jade Lee’s hot Bridal Favors series is set in a daring, high-energy Regency world where deep longings, secret scandals, and the competition for social stature are all set against the glittering weddings of the season.

Grant Benton, Earl of Crowle, finally has the funds he always pretended to have, and what he wants now is a woman. That woman is Lady Irene Knopp, who spends her days helping debutantes plan their weddings. A recent widow, Irene longs for love again, but she’s afraid to risk her heart, especially to the notorious Grant Benton.

Please welcome Emily Greenwood to the virtual offices today. Emily dropped by to introduce herself and to talk about her new release A Little Night Mischief. After, she has a copy for one of you to win!! Now I’m going to turn the dashboard over to our special guest.

Emily Greenwood, Author of A Little Night Mischief

Thanks for having me here today!

Me in 140 characters or less: If I can’t live in a sanitized version of the Regency era that includes running water and decent medical care, I’ll write about it instead.

A LITTLE NIGHT MISCHIEF is the story of Miss Felicity Wilcox, who’s centered her life around running her family’s estate. Unfortunately, it’s just been gambled away by her deadbeat uncle, but Felicity refuses to accept that it’s truly gone. So when the handsome new owner, James Collington, arrives to take possession, she decides she’s going to make it really unappealing for him to stay.

James isn’t going to be easily chased off, though, because he needs Felicity’s estate to help pay a huge family debt. So Felicity has to get pretty creative with her eviction campaign, and her efforts involve odd costumes and midnight adventures. Before long, these two adversaries are finding that they just might be falling in love.

I came up with the concept for A LITTLE NIGHT MISCHIEF when I was playing around with the idea of two dogs + one bone = instant conflict.

The three words that best describe Felicity are determined, creative, and hard-working.

If James had a theme song it would be Mirrors by Justin Timberlake.

Felicity is never without her unusual dresses. Her family’s fallen on hard times, so she’s raided the attic for her clothes. Now she doesn’t have to worry about anyone copying her look

Three things you will never find in James’s pocket: A memento from his brother; a pipe, because smoking would be a waste of time and money; an advice column, because he already knows exactly what he’s going to do

Felicity’s greatest regret is not being able to live up to the future she thinks her mother wanted for her.

I’m inspired by the novels of nineteenth-century Britain, though I doubt anyone would see much resemblance between my books and those stories J Especially love novels by Eloisa James and Susan Elizabeth Phillips.

Three things I need in order to write: an empty house, my computer, and peanuts.

The last book I read that knocked my socks off was I Am Forbidden by Anouk Markovits.

I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t turned on to reading. As a young child I thought Sendak’s In the Night Kitchen was weirdly fascinating, and being a picky eater, I identified a lot with Bread and Jam for Francis. Later, I read all the Nancy Drew books and every Judy Blume I could find.

When I’m not writing, I like to hang with my family, read, walk, cook, and watch movies.

Readers can find me at emilygreenwood.net, on Facebook, and on Twitter at emigreenwood.

Thank you, Emily!!

Ready for your chance to win A Little Night Mischief? Just fill out the widget below.

Regency romance author Emily Greenwood makes a strong debut with a playful series about young ladies who discover that a little mischief can be a good thing!

When Miss Felicity Wilcox’s uncle gambles away the estate, she decides to disguise herself as a ghost to rid her home of the handsome new owner. Except James Collington doesn’t scare easily, and haunting his nights is turning out to be far more amusing mischief than she ever would have guessed. With everything to lose, these two adversaries can’t allow their hearts to rule—or can they?

Please welcome Anne Cleeland to the virtual offices this morning! Anne is here to talk about Tainted Angel, and after, you can enter for a chance to win a copy of your own!

[Manga Maniac Café] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.

[Anne Cleeland] Mild-mannered lawyer and mother of four writes stories about ordinary people swept up in extraordinary events. Also likes chocolate.

[Manga Maniac Café] Can you tell us a little about Tainted Angel?

[Anne Cleeland] The heroine is an agent for the Crown, but her spymaster suspects she is “tainted”—a double agent working for Napoleon. Her love interest has his own dark secrets—unless his affection is feigned and he is actually setting a trap to reveal her own treason. There are twists and double-crosses as the attraction between the two spies becomes more powerful than their mutual distrust—and England’s future hangs in the balance.

[Manga Maniac Café] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?

[Anne Cleeland] The story is a Regency version of Mr. & Mrs. Smith. I loved that movie.

[Manga Maniac Café] What three words best describe Vidia?

[Anne Cleeland] Beautiful, vulnerable, steely.

[Manga Maniac Café] If Lucien had a theme song, what would it be?

[Anne Cleeland] Let’s go with a James Bond theme, and say “The Spy Who Loved Me.”

[Manga Maniac Café] Name one thing Vidia is never without.

[Anne Cleeland] The dagger she keeps in her garter. She learned a hard lesson, once.

[Manga Maniac Café] What three things will you never find in Lucien’s pocket?

[Anne Cleeland] A miniature portrait of his late wife, his signet ring, or state secrets. He learned a hard lesson once, too.

[Manga Maniac Café] What are your greatest creative influences?

[Anne Cleeland] Gosh, I wish I was that deep! Mainly I just sit down with a laptop and try to keep up with the characters as they run around and say things. I love action movies and adventure stories, so I suppose that has been my greatest creative influence. There’s nothing like a book or a movie that starts out with a slightly ominous scene, and then allows things to get worse from there.

[Manga Maniac Café] What three things do you need in order to write?

[Anne Cleeland] A laptop, a spiral notebook and a diet Dr. Pepper! It doesn’t matter where I am or what’s going on in the background; I’m lucky that way.

[Manga Maniac Café] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?

[Manga Maniac Café] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?

[Anne Cleeland] Brace yourself; I loved Tarzan of the Apes and then I read everything Edgar Rice Burroughs ever wrote. Did I mention I love adventure stories?

[Manga Maniac Café] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

[Anne Cleeland] I do a lot of lurking in blogs like this one. What did we do with ourselves before blogs? Or Goodreads? I could lurk around Goodreads all day.

[Manga Maniac Café] How can readers connect with you?

[Anne Cleeland] I hope they do, I’d love to hear from them! My website is Annecleeland.com, and I have a Facebook page and a Goodreads page. For your readers who are mystery fans, I have a contemporary mystery series starting in August with Murder in Thrall. Then the second historical will come out in November—Daughter of the God-King. Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to introduce myself!

[Manga Maniac Café] Thank you!

Giveaway Time!!

To enter for a chance to win a copy of Tainted Angel, fill out the widget below. US addresses only, please.

In the time of Napoleon, Vidia Swanson appears to live a gilded life of ease and luxury. Beneath this façade, however, she works for the Home Office as an ‘angel,’ coaxing secrets from powerful men who may or may not be traitors to the Crown. In the course of her latest assignment, matters take an alarming turn when she realizes that her spymaster suspects that she is the one who is tainted–a double agent working for the enemy.

Lucien Carstairs is a fellow agent with his own dark secrets–unless he is setting an elaborate trap to reveal her own supposed treason. Backed into a corner, she can only hope to stay one step ahead of the hangman in a race to stop the next war before it destroys them–and destroys England.

Tainted Angel offers up a compelling game of cat and mouse in which no one can be trusted–and anyone can be tainted.

Please welcome Bion Donkova, intrepid airship captain from Mary Wine’s A Captain and A Corset. After the interview, enter for a chance to win a copy of A Captain and A Corset!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in five words or less.

[Bion Donkova] Right. Always Right. Never, ever wrong. Ms. Stevenson calls me arrogant. I believe she is ignorant of the world. But that is a given, she’s been raised with the narrow views of Victorian society.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you share a typical day in the life of Bion Donkova?

[Bion Donkova] Dedication to duty. I set a goal to become a Navigator and it is something only achieved by the best. My skills in piloting an airship must be above excellent. Security is a chief concern, so Asian fighting skills are a must and they require daily training periods. Now I have the added duty of instructing Ms. Stevenson in the arts of being a Navigator. I do not mind mentoring her but she is stubborn.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words come to mind when you think of Sophia?

[Bion Donkova] Stubborn, Unfairly fortunate. She encountered a Root Ball, which transformed her sight. It’s something I have been working toward for years and she stumbled upon.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What was the first thing that you noticed about her?

[Bion Donkova] Madam, that is not fit for public discussion.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you could change one thing you’ve done in your life, what would it be?

[Bion Donkova] Hummm, I believe that would involve the night that my good friend Sven and I went drinking at the Red Petticoat. I would decline the wager to seduce the madam who ran the upstairs establishment. Who might have guessed that so petite a woman might have leg irons secured so firmly to the sides of her bed?

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What’s one thing you won’t leave home without?

[Bion Donkova] My integrity. Honor defines a man.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t saving Sophia from the forces of evil?

[Bion Donkova] Raising eyebrow. A gentleman never kisses and tells.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you share your dreams for the future in five words or less.

[Bion Donkova] I could never confine a definition of my new wife to so few words. I expect mayhem but confess I have become addicted to it.

Airship Captain Bion Donkova has devoted his life to enhancing his navigational powers. When he discovers Sophia Stevenson has inadvertently received the gift of every captain’s dreams—the rare and powerful root crystal—he is just about ready to throw her overboard.

Sophia’s not so enchanted with her newfound powers—especially when she becomes the target of a corrupt airship deadset on using her powers for evil. When Sophia goes missing, Captain Bion drops his grudge and thunders to her rescue. Once the two are free of danger, it doesn’t take long before old grudges return, tempers flare, and red-hot passion ignite

Please welcome special guest Finn Tremble to the virtual offices today! Finn is the protagonist of Tammy Falkner’s The Magic of “I Do,” and he has quite a bit to say this morning. After, he has a copy of A Lady and Her Magic for one of you to win.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in five words or less.

[Finn] Smitten. (Only description that matters right now.)

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you share a typical day in the life of Lord Phineas Tremble?

[Finn] Before I met Claire, it was – Spending time at my club, solving some petty crimes, vising with Robin and Anne, and the rest of my time was spent finding a woman to warm my bed.

After I met Claire, it became — thinking about Claire, wanting Claire, looking for Claire, and making Claire fall in love with me, and finding ways keep Claire in my bed.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words come to mind when you think of Claire?

[Finn] Stubborn, beautiful and MINE.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you find most exasperating about her?

[Finn] What’s not exasperating about her? Even more exasperating is how bloody much I love every exasperating thing she does.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you could change one thing you’ve done in your life, what would it be?

[Finn] I would never have fallen asleep after that first night with Claire. Then she never could have gotten away from me.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What’s one thing you won’t leave home without?

[Finn] A kiss from Claire.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t helping in the search for murderers?

[Finn] I like to help manage my brother’s holdings. I have a certain affinity for it, and I hadn’t realized how much I enjoy the responsibility of it until he was gone.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you share your dreams for the future in five words or less.

[Finn] I want magic! (That’s only three words. But it sums up how I feel for Claire, our life together and our future.)

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!

[Finn] Thanks for having me. I hope you love THE MAGIC OF ‘I DO’!

Giveaway!

Ready for a chance to win A Lady and Her Magic (book 1 in the Regency Faery series)? Fill out the widget below. US addresses only, please.

With the temporary prohibition on magic on the land of the Fae, Claire Thorne might as well go back to the Regency world. The haut ton has just as many annoying rules as her world, but at least they have parties and dances. Plus, the roguish Lord Phineas "Finn" Trimble is there…

When the feisty faerie tumbles into his room through a magical portal, Finn can’t believe how completely unpredictable she is. Even before the two stumble into a dangerous intrigue that threatens both their worlds, Finn discovers that his hitherto carefree life is about to go up in smoke…

Praise for A Lady and Her Magic:

“A dash of Jane Austen and a sprinkle of faery dust make this book a treasure.” —Kathryne Kennedy, author of The Elven Lord series

“Charming and filled with the magic of love and faith…Falkner’s tale whisks readers into a realm of enchantment.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

As half of the Lydia Dare writing team, Tammy Falkner has co-written ten books, including A Certain Wolfish Charm and In the Heat of the Bite. A huge fan of Regency England, her regency paranormal series combines the magical elements of both mystical faeries and the glittering regency ton. Tammy lives on a farm in rural North Carolina with her husband and a house full of boys, a few dogs, and a cat or two. Visit her website, www.tammyfalkner.com, for more information.

Please welcome dashing Rafe Hartley to the virtual offices today! Rafe is the intrepid hero of Jayne Fresina’s Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal, and he dropped in for a chat.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in five words or less.

[Rafe Hartley] Always left at the altar!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you share a typical day in the life of Rafe Hartley?

[Rafe Hartley] I work hard from first light to dusk, managing my small farm in Sydney Dovedale. But I don’t mind the long hours; it’s all worthwhile. In the evenings I sit by my fire and read – yes, I can read, thank you very much, despite what some folk think! – the daily newspaper to keep up with current affairs (in case I have the chance to impress Lady Frosty Bottom) and catch up with any boxing news. I also read the weekly Norwich and Morecroft Farmer’s Gazette. Occasionally, I am invited to Morecroft to dine with my father and step-mother. Since that means having to dress up like a dandy and put up with my great-grandmother’s snide comments, I don’t often accept, but I do like to visit my half sisters when I can and tease them unmercifully. If the mood takes me, I might enjoy a jug of cider and a game of cards at Merryweather’s Tavern of an evening.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words come to mind when you think of Mercy?

[Rafe Hartley] Bossy, Stubborn, Buttercup!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you find most exasperating about her?

[Rafe Hartley] She always thinks she’s in the right, even though I am.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you could change one thing you’ve done in your life, what would it be?

[Rafe Hartley] Let her get away from me once before. I was a young fool and should have stood up to her brother when he had our marriage annulled.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What’s one thing you won’t leave home without?

[Rafe Hartley] My wits! Nobody gets one over on me. Not even Lady Bossy Drawers Danforthe.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t being jilted at the alter?

[Rafe Hartley] I’m a bit of a daydreamer. I know you wouldn’t think it to look at me, would you? I daresay you look at me and think – handsome charmer, all brawn and balls – but no, I have brains too and quite an imagination. I’m not merely pretty to look at, as I keep telling Mercy Danforthe. I’m not here just to be her plaything! Sometimes I catch myself daydreaming about that woman and what I’d like to….

Well, sometimes I make serious plans for the future. A man has to have plans. Of course, I haven’t always been this way. I used to be quite a reckless boy, aimless, enjoying life with no real path. I’ve grown up though. At least, I’m trying. A few folks might be surprised by that, but I mean to make something of my life and now I know what I want for myself. So look out!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you share your dreams for the future in five words or less.

[Rafe Hartley] To kiss Mercy every day.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!

[Rafe Hartley] Thank you, my lady! It’s been a pleasure.

Giveaway Time!!!

Ready for your chance to win a copy of The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne (the book directly preceding Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal in the Sydney Dovedale Series). Just fill out the widget below. earn extra entries for following. US and Canadian addresses only, please.

Lady Mercy Danforthe always has a plan. It’s what makes her such a successful matchmaker, and why she’s obligated to spend a great deal of time generously organizing the lives of her friends and family. But there’s one man beyond her help. One man whose recklessness she can’t rein in; whose chaos she can’t contain. Her ex-husband, Rafe Hartley. Her one—and only!—mistake.

Flirts with a Reckless Rogue…

Rafe has never forgiven Mercy for running out on him. Their hastily annulled marriage may have one lasted three hours, but that doesn’t mean he needs her help finding a proper wife. Someone needs to teach little Miss Know-It-All a lesson about keeping her adorably freckled nose out of other people’s business. And it just so happens that Mercy "Silky Drawers" Danforthe still owes him a wedding night…

A Scandal’s Never Far Behind!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jayne Fresina sprouted up in England, the youngest in a family of four girls. Entertained by her father’s colorful tales of growing up in the countryside, and surrounded by opinionated sisters— all with far more exciting lives than hers— she’s always had inspiration for her beleaguered heroes and unstoppable heroines. Look for the fourth book in the Sydney Dovedale Series, Miss Molly Robbins Designs a Seduction in March 2014. For more information, please visit www.jaynefresina.com.

Please welcome Nathaniel Colton, the hero of Connie Mason and Mia Marlowe’s One Night with a Rake. After Nathaniel charms your pants off, be sure to enter to win a copy of Waking Up With a Rake! Mia has a special giveaway for International readers, too! Read the interview for details.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in five words or less.

[Nathaniel] Incorrigible. That says it all.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you share a typical day in the life of Nathaniel Colton?

[Nathaniel] Dawn finds me in search of my bed, not that I may not have found someone else’s before that. I rise when I’m rested and head for White’s for a game of poque. Don’t make that tsking noise! It’s not gambling when one consistently wins. My evenings are spent in riotous living. The charm of wearing myself out with mindless hedonism is that it leaves no opportunity for thoughts of Anne’s death to creep in. I despise maudlin people and what could be more maudlin than a man who cannot forget his first love?

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words come to mind when you think of Georgette?

[Nathaniel] Anne’s sister… Stubborn… Addictive. That’s four words, but you’ll simply have to forgive me. In truth, a thousand words would not be sufficient to explain the minor miracle that is Lady Georgette.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you find most exasperating about her?

[Nathaniel] It’s her confounded desire to fix everyone. She undoubtedly means well, but there are some things that cannot be mended.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you could change one thing you’ve done in your life, what would it be?

[Nathaniel] I would not have trusted the scout’s reports before leading my men into the disastrous battle at Maubeuge, France. If not for that debacle, I would not find myself susceptible to a certain Member of Parliament’s blackmail and wouldn’t be tasked with seducing Georgette. The more I learn of her—her kindness, her vulnerability, her open heart—the more untenable I find my position. When I am with Georgette, I can indulge the fantasy that I might become a different sort of man. But if I am bound to ruin her, I must remain what I am—an unrepentant rake.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What’s one thing you won’t leave home without?

[Nathaniel] My wits. I do not routinely carry a weapon, having seen enough bloodshed to last a lifetime on the Continent. Though that is not to say I cannot acquit myself well if matters turn to violence.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t charming the ladies?

[Nathaniel] When I cannot lay aside the shadows that gather on my soul, I enjoy listening to my sister Caroline play the pianoforte. I’m not musically inclined, but her melodies never fail to sooth me.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you share your dreams for the future in five words or less.

[Nathaniel] Something other than my present.

I am on the horns of a dilemma. I must ruin Georgette or my family will be engulfed in scandal. Yet the idea of harming that delicate creature offends even my debauched spirit. There is not enough wine, not enough laudanum in the world, to make me easy with my impossible choice.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!

[Nathaniel] No, thank you, my dear. You’ve been a charming hostess and I’ve been . . . well, myself. I should try not to let my dark humors get the best of me. You see, my authors assure me it all turns out well in the end.

Oh, one last thing! If you would be so kind, dear reader, as to leave a comment or question for me, you will be entered in a random drawing for Waking Up with a Rake—the story of my friend Rhys Warrington and the young lady he was sent to remove from royal consideration. USA/Canada only. My author Mia Marlowe will also offer winner’s choice of one of her Rock*It Read ebooks. Open Internationally.

ONE NIGHT WITH A RAKE BY CONNIE MASON AND MIA MARLOWE – IN STORES JUNE 2013

For King and Country, Three Notorious Rakes Will Put All Their Seductive Skills to Work.

After All, The Fate of England’s Monarchy is in Their Hands.

Since the death of his fiancée, Nathaniel Colton’s polished boots have rested beneath the beds of countless wayward wives and widows of the ton. He’s careful to leave each lady smiling, and equally careful to guard his heart. So seducing Lady Georgette should pose no problem. But the beautiful reformist is no easy conquest, and Nate’s considerable charm fails to entice Georgette to his bed. To woo her, Nate will have to make her believe he cares about someone besides himself–and no one is more surprised than Nate when he realizes he actually does.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Connie Mason is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 50 novels. She was named Storyteller of the Year in 1990 and received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews in 1994. She currently lives in Florida. Mia Marlowe is a highly acclaimed new voice in romance whose debut novel released in Spring 2011 from Kensington. She lives in Boston. Together, they are working on the next book in the Royal Rakes series, Between a Rake and a Hard Place, which will be in stores in January 2014. For more information, please visit http://www.miamarlowe.com .